Memorials

Robert J. Cassell, 85, of Larwill, died at 12:08 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2009, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne where he was admitted on Monday evening.

He was born July 3, 1924, in Fort Wayne, a son of Archie J. and Ella E. (Eickhoff) Cassell. His formative years were spent in Fort Wayne where he graduated from Central Catholic School.

On March 12, 1943, he was inducted in the United States Army, serving in Europe during World War II. He was honorably discharged October 24, 1945.

Following his retirement from Harvester in 1974 with over 32 years of service, he moved to Larwill.

His memberships included American Legion Post #47 in Fort Wayne where he served on the Color Guard & Firing Squad, La Société Des 40 Hommes Et 8 Chevaux, Little Turtle Archeological Society and Whitley County Historical Society. He frequently gave historical presentations for local school children and was recently recognized by Indian Springs Middle School for sharing a love of history with area children. Additionally, Cassell was a regular volunteer at the Whitley County Historical Society and with the Mihsihkinaahkwa Pow Wow.

He is survived by a brother, Donald (Doris) Cassell of Fort Wayne; three nephews, Robert C. (Nicki) Cassell of Larwill, David (Darlene) Cassell of Woodburn and James A. Cassell of Fort Wayne; seven great nieces and nephews, Bobbi Jo Cassell, Melissa Henshaw, Courtnie Law, Brook Earhart, Alexus Lynch, Austin Cassell and Jeremiah Cassell; and a great-great-nephew, Tristin Miller.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with Father Larry Kramer officiating. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

The burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne with military honors presented by the U.S. Army Detail.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to Whitley County Historical Society.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com